Malaysian Salsa Festival 2007 - The Instructors

Malaysian Salsa Festivall 2007 is approaching fast .... and I am counting the days (too excited!). Anyway .. just a little teaser .. here's some information on the local and international instructors you are about to meet in MSF 2007 .....

Magna Gopal (New York / New Jersey)

Magna Gopal is one of the top international performers and instructors in the salsa scene. Originally from Toronto, Canada she is now based in New York/New Jersey, USA and is internationally known for her grace, fluidity and precision on the dance floor.

Her creative interpretation of the music, ability to effortlessly follow any lead and spin with speed and accuracy has made her extremely popular in places such as Madrid, Italy, Bermuda, Holland, Germany, France, UK, Poland, Peru, Colombia, China, Korea, Japan, India, Israel, Canada, across the US and many others. Her smooth style is a pleasure to watch and experience; her limitless energy ensures her presence on the dance floor all night.


Nestor Manuelian & Lidia McMahon

Two of Australia’s best dancers have come together to create a new flavour not yet seen, collectively they have represented Australia on the world stage for the past 4 years. They’ve taught workshops and performed at major salsa congresses and events in Australia, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Uk, Milan, Rome, Puerto Rico, Auckland and Hong Kong. Known for their thrilling and energetic performances, they draw audiences in and leave them eager for more. They have competed nationally and internationally winning 4 National Titles in the past 4 years. Their team Modus Vivendi are current Australian Salsa Champions, and have represented Australia at the ‘ESPN World Salsa Championships’ 2 years in row and have been finalist twice. In 2007, Nestor and Lidia have already won the Asian Salsa Open In Hong Kong and have been booked in to teach at several Major congress around the world!


Susana Montero

Susana Montero is, by far one of the most sought-after female Salsa instructors in Europe. She has been teaching and performing in London for the past decade and is now one of the premier Salsa instructors in all of Europe. A popular instructor/performer at many Congresses, Susana has a very dedicated following of both men and women. Women love her styling techniques, and the men love the way she teaches partnering. She is able to convey to the men what a woman wants in the lead and how to execute it properly and comfortably for the woman. For the women, she teaches when and how to style, without ever interrupting his lead.

Not many people know that Susana is educated above and beyond that of the average Salsera. She has her PhD. in Psychology from Complutense Madrid University in Spain. Susana doesn't flaunt her experience, talent, nor education. She is the most down-to-earth woman on the face of this planet. She is just as beautiful inside as she is outside.



Leon Rose is one of the freshest innovators in the international Salsa scene. His inspirational style generates enthusiasm and commitment to the art of Salsa dancing as demonstrated when he won the 2000 UK Bacardi Salsa, 2001 Salsa Club championship and 2003 Aji con mango competitions. He was born and educated in London and comes from a Caribbean background where he learnt to appreciate a wide variety of good music from an early age. During these years, Leon attended The Anna Scher Theatre School, which led to many appearances on stage, popular children's shows, including 'Grange Hill' to several televised dramas, one alongside Dame Judy Dench. He has performed on television and stage, from appearances with Enrique Iglesias on Top of the Pops (BBC), The Des O'Connor Show to The Royal Albert Hall in aid of Princess Diana Landmine Fund, Hackney Empire and various prestigious venues around the UK and the rest of the world.


Francisco Vazquez

Originally from Guadalajara Mexico, Francisco moved to the Los Angeles in 1988. Francisco's introduction to Salsa occurred when he accompanied his girlfriend to a nightclub. Motivated what he saw, he immediately set about teaching himself the basics by watching the best L.A. salseros of the day: Albert Torres, Laura Canelias and Joe Casini. Soon the steps came and he discovered that he had a natural ability for dance, a gift for rhythm and a deep understanding of the music. This, paired with the inspiration and influence of the Nicholas Brothers, Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, led Francisco to create his own innovative style. Years later, it was clear that Francisco had found his niche in Salsa. He had been chosen to dance on stage before thousands alongside Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Charo and many other revered Latin artists.


Santo Rico Dance Company

Back for the SECOND TIME, bigger and better! This year SIX PERFORMERS from the Santo Rico Dance Company are coming with us to Damai! Joining us this year are Tomas Guerrero, Carmen Taveras, Benjamin Recio, Elizabeth Chavieri, Julio E. Heredia, & Diana Nunez! If you missed them last year, make it a PRIORITY to catch them this year at the MSF 2007!!

Santo Rico Dance Company, currently under the direction of Thomas Guerrero, has become one of New York's premier dance companies with their dazzling choreographies and unique style dancing, and has performed and taught at major events such as the legendary off-Broadway Comedy Dancical "Latin Madness," in Madison Square Garden, and at several Salsa Congresses throughout the country and the world. Santo Rico has traveled to 3 continents and over 11 countries, which include Canada, England, Norway, Switzerland, Italy/Rome, Sweden, Amsterdam, Belgium, Spain, Japan, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and of course MALAYSIA!!!


Kaytee Namgyal (India)

Kaytee is the Founder and President of Salsa India.

In the earlier years he has trained as a Jazz and Hip Hop dancer. He got exposed to Salsa during a stay in Japan where he met a leading Salsa teacher from Los Angeles. After his return to India, he set up a small dancing school which has now grown into Salsa India Dance Company (SIDC), the biggest Salsa-only school in India.

Kaytee has studied with some of the best teachers of the world and is now a certified teacher by Salsa Brava, arguably the best dancing school in the world, and by Edie-The Salsa Freak and Al Liquid Silver Espinoza. He has had the opportunity to learn the Cuban, New York and L.A. styles of Salsa and see different other styles of Salsa and likes to merge all of it in his way of Dancing. "Different Music, Different Styles", says Kaytee.

Mika Takenaga started social dance at the age of eight. In 1994, she won the “Japan Amateur Latin Championship” as the youngest finalist ever in the history of the competition. She went on to win that competition three years in a row before turning professional. Ever since then, her career has taken off as an artist with numerous dance performances, TV appearances and choreography assignments. In May 2005, Mika Takenaga released her very own multimedia Salsa DVD learning kit titled “Perfect Salsa”. The set of 6 DVDs is sold exclusively by avex entertainment. Lessons based on the Perfect Salsa DVD series are being taught at Mika Takenaga’s studio - Dance Studio Casino - located in the renowned Roppongi district in Tokyo. Mika Takenaga has also established herself outside of Japan as an esteemed salsa dancer through frequent overseas dance performances and workshops. In July 2006, Mika Takenaga released the CD “We love Salsa”, a compilation of individually selected Salsa songs, once again through Avex entertainment.

Alberto Romay (Cuba)

Born in Havana City, Cuba, 1965.
-1985: He starts his career as a Professional Dancer and Choreographer performing in various countries. (Cuba, Europe, Africa, Asia).
-1992: First visit to Japan as member of the Musical Preview "Noche Tropical"
-1993: Member of the musical band "Paulo FG y su Elite" as a choreographer and dancer.
-1994: Incorpórate into "Conjunto Folklórico Nacional de Cuba". : Dance participation in Murakami Ryu' film "KYOKO"

Alberto Romay came to Japan in 1995 and after 10 years, he is now the number one Salsa Dance Instructor in Japan known for his grace, artistic ability, high quality work and professionalism. He has shared stage with famous artists and bands such as: The Orchestra de la Luz, DLG, Issac Delgado, Charanga Habanera, Josie Neglia, Narciso Medina, Smap, Aya Sugimoto, Marusia, Tokyo Cuban Boy, Jaila Mompier, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Tangin Fong Matos, Janette Valenzuela, and many others.

Fi & Anasri (Singapore)

Fi & Anasri are no strangers to the Singapore Salsa scene. Indeed, they have been the first points of introduction for many strangers to Salsa for over 6 years. Their fun-frenzied and easy-to-grasp teaching style have made them popular favourites as dance instructors The duo have taken many of Singapore's prominent salsa dancers today from their basic steps to advanced and beyond. They have performed and taught in Salsa Congresses, Festivals and events worldwide. Their frequent appearances in the media promoting this previously fringe activity has contributed greatly to the scene in Singapore as it is today.

Having crossed the causeway many a time, to provide dance workshops and performances, they welcome this opportunity to be part of yet another Malayasian event. You may find information about their courses and the dance-related events they organise at http://www.groove.com.sg

Gupson Pierre (Singapore)

Gupson Pierre is the proud owner, renowned dancer, performer, creative director and principal instructor of Attitude Dance Studio. Hailing from Montreal, Canada, Gupson has more than 10 years of formal training in Ballet and Jazz, and has performed extensively in Canada, USA, Asia and South America he also has more than 10 years of experience as a dancer, performer and choreographer with Howard Gillick Productions and several months as a dancer in Alvin Ailey Dance company. Gupsons qualifications are just as impressive to match his years of experience in all aspects of dance. His extensive dance qualification include:

Bachelor in Latin Dance History Bachelor of Dance and Physical Education Bachelor of Dance Technique

Gupson has been teaching in Singapore for over 4 years in Singapore and is known for his utmost professionalism in conducting classes. He provides a conducive environment with his patience and encouragement, adding his signature and style and attitude to the whole experience of learning salsa at Attitude Dance Studio.

Suman (Singapore)

Suman is a talented instructor, choreographer and performer. He started dancing fours years ago and gained popularity in a very short time.

8 months after he first set foot in a Salsa class, Suman managed to sweep the Championship title for the 'Singapore Salsa Competition 2002'.

In 2003, he extended his winning streak to clinch the much coveted Champion's trophy in the 'Malaysia Open Salsa Competition'. He has gained exposure by representing Singapore in performing at the prestigious Annual West Coast Los Angeles Salsa Congress 2003, after undergoing only 3 months of performance training!

In 2004, Suman set up his own Salsa school with the objective of taking the Singapore Salsa scene to greater heights. In a short span of 8 months of instructing, he has trained students who have gone on to top the 'Singapore Amateur Salsa Competition 2004'.

Gavin Chan (Malaysia)

A native Malaysian, Gavin Chan has been dancing and teaching dance for over 8 and 6 years respectively. Although formerly Jazz trained, his main area of expertise lies in New York style Salsa, Hip-hop, House and Poppin & Lockin.

Gavin’s dance career has taken him to numerous parts of the world to either instruct, perform or to train with some of the world’s best dancers and faculties. Some of these places include New York (Santo Rico Studios, Abakua Dance Company, Fogarate Dance Project, Broadway Dance Centre), Los Angeles (The Edge Performing Arts, Salsa Brava), Miami (Salsa Lovers), London (Pineapple Dance Studios), Sydney (Sydney Dance Company), Germany, Zurich and Japan.

As a choreographer, he is well known for his witty and innovative routines. He choreographed and performed Sydney’s first comedy routine, themed ‘X-Men’. This routine was performed at Sydney Latin Fiesta and won 2 awards, including the People’s Choice Award.

He was also the first to choreograph and perform Sydney’s first Salsa/Hip-Hop fusion routine. This routine was featured at events held for visiting international dancers. Gavin has recently returned from New York where he performed with Fogarate Dance Project and trained with some of the world’s best urban dancers.

Pat Calzadilla (Malaysia)

Pat Calzadilla is a true Latin American professional instructor, dancer and choreographer with more than 12 years of teaching experience in Malaysia alone. Fired with the passion of Salsa from a very young age, Venezuelan-born Pat came to Malaysia and co-founded the country’s first Salsa school back in 1998.

Since then she has moved on, opening her own Ritmo Latino Dance School in the heart of Kuala Lumpur in 2000. To date, Pat has taught more than 2000 students, some of whom have become instructors themselves! She has also taken part in various international events in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore.

Apart from running a full-time schedule at Ritmo Latino, Pat actively spends time keeping the Salsa spirit alive through weekly parties at various clubs in Kuala Lumpur since 2000.

Fasilito (Malaysia)

The first and most well-known Malaysian Salsa Choreographer and Instructor, having taught and performed Salsa for more than 10 years, both locally and internationally. Represented the country in various parts of the world in Dance Folklores Festivals from 1988-1992.

Famous for his unique dance style and wonderful show moves, Fasilito is the choreographer of “Bailanismo Dance Group” which represented Malaysia in the 1st Hong Kong Salsa Congress and in the 1st Thailand Salsa Festival. He was also responsible for choreographing the visiting famous Cuban band, Cubanismo. Fasilito has also been interviewed and performed for local & satellite television programs.

Co-founder of the first Salsa school back in 1998, Fasilito opened his own dance school - Dance Spirit Co. - two years ago. The school made a tremendous impact when his students won the most titles in Salsa competitions in 2005.

Salsa101 @ KL Hilton

Tomorrow is the day, apart from the Latin Congress to be held in July at PD and the Salsa Festival at Damai Laut in August, this is one party that the salseras and salseros of the Klang Valley and surrounding area is waiting for. Salsa101. Stephanie and myself of course will be there along with the rest of the SalsaJayers, so will you be there as well?

Hosted by Paula Malai Ali, this party also features International Deejays like DJ Domingo - From Peru, DJ Juanito - From Colombia and Dr Salsa - From France. What more, there's also workshops by Gupson, Patricia and SalsaSam as well as all night party!

Let's look at the line-up of activities that we can look forward to.

5.45pm onwards, Workshops by the above mentioned instructors, 8pm will be a short movie about the birth of Salsa and then at 9pm onwards, it's dance dance dance, breaking every 2 hours for Open Salsa Dance Competition between the likes of Gavin & Sally, Güpson; PAT Calzadilla and Fahmy & friends.

And what time do you think the party will end? 3.30am baybeh!! Yup, we have approximately 24 hours to work up that stamina because we'll be dancing till we drop. So are you going ...... ?

For more detailed program listing, Click Here

THE PARTY

Let's go partying on 8 August 2007!

Linline will be kicking-off the Malaysian Salsa Festival in grand style with performances by some of the world’s best Salsa performers and all night dancing!

Only RM70 for Registered MSF Participants!
Get your tickets NOW

RM120 before 8 August 2007
Get you tickets NOW

RM150 at the door

Additional RM50 for Reserved Seating*
*Limited to 30 seats only at the first five rows from the stage!

Click here to download printable copy of poster
Click here for a map to Impiana Hotel, KLCC

Come and watch performances by Santo Rico Dance Company, Nestor Manuelian & Lidia McMahon, Dance Spirit, Ritmo Latino, Outcast On2, Havana Estudio & so many more!

All you dashing gentlemen out there don’t miss out this opportunity to ask a dance from Magna Gopal, Susana Montero and Ruby Karen! Ladies, dazzle Leon Rose & Francisco Vasquez with your moves on the dance floor!

Or call (Lin) +6012 3181202 / (Murni) +6012 21781707
Alternatively you may also email us for more info

Futsal ala Salsa

I’ve been putting this off for ages, not because I didn’t want to write it but I’m always wondering how I’d start this off.

(5 mins in and 3 intros later..........)

Football ala Salsa… err… no.
*Note to self* This is a lot harder than I thought it would be.

(15 mins in, 5 intros and a maggi mee later...........)

Futsal ala Salsa !


Everyone knows about football. It’s the world game! Now futsal… that’s new(ish). The popular past time amongst Malaysians boys (and girls) is gaining popularity by the day and I can attest to that cause I play a good 6 hours of it a week. Ironically, when I hurt my knee last Satuday, my first thought wasn’t that I couldn’t play futsal… it was “OMG! I can’t go for my salsa on Wednesday!”

In fact as an avid footballer I’ve learnt so much from Salsa. I actually got into Salsa because I thought it might improve my game. Watching ‘Jinga’ with all those Brazilians playing and dancing in the streets of Rio made me wonder if there was a connection (of course there is! There has to be!). 4 months in and let me say that taking up Salsa has improved my game tremendously because there are a lot of subtle things in Salsa that you can bring to the pitch. Now I know a lot of guys are skeptical about this but allow me to enlighten you.


All those front and back basics. Who would have known you could trick a person by taking a step forward and another step back. Makes it even more real when you actually put your weight on your forward step (thanks for emphasizing the weight on the front foot Jeamie!). And all those times you watch videos of people stepping over the ball on YouTube… it’s a simple “round the world”. Damn this is getting easy! If only there was a move involving a bicycle kick or something like of the sort… now that would be cool.

So how do I liken football to dancing now? I just treat the ball like my partner (or the other way around) and lead it where you want to go. Beware all those other dancers on the pitch that wanna steal your gal (or man or ball)! Focus on the game, keep her close and by the end you’re sure to score!

I guess Ronaldinho said it best “I play with the music in my head, and my feet move to it”.

So to sum this all up, football is ‘The Beautiful Game’. It’s meant to be played with passion and skill, not with rough with ankle breaking tackles. Play football like you’re dancing. Hands up by your side (I know I don’t do this in class and I should), feeling the rhythm of the music in your head and moving your feet to the beat. Most important of all, make sure you’re having fun!


** patience while the video loads, you'll enjoy this **

Till I see you on the dance floor or the pitch! Joga Bonito! Dança Bonito! -

Jean Gan Charity Concert 2007

3 whole months of practically preparing for the concert finally arrived. Of all Jean Gan concerts that i have had the pleasure of attending, this was one of the most last minute one put together to date. ....but pull it through we did. Everyone were amazing.... gritted their teeth, and give it their all (time and sweat and maybe some lost dates and etc) to see it through, be it rain or shine.

As a teacher of Jean Gan Academy, i was tasked to put together 2 items - a modern jazz for my 13-15 yr old kids and also a salsa item (which i insisted that Jean Gan include... family entertainment or non, as SALSA was something new being offered at the studio) with my 17-18 yr old students.

Scrambling for costume pieces and accessories was something that i have to faced day in day out. Let's see it must be showy without being too sexy, shiny, glitter and definitely must be one size fits all.... ie, everyone must look good , despite the fact that people come in all shapes and sizes. My sis, and some close friends would attests that i spent weeks on costume hunting alone. Many a times, i buy things that didn't even make it on stage.

Choreography was another thing that one have to deal with. Inspiration was not very forthcoming, except for the occasions where the caffeine i took prior to classes kicked in. As such, not only was the choreography for my modern jazz item only done 1-2 weeks prior to concert, the salsa bit where the ladies in black and silver joined the rest of my teenager salsa dancers was done and taught within 2 classes (on the same week as concert day).

Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Fen Ning, Audrey, Darren, Kuok Peng, James Quah, Jacques, and my sis (adrienne), for volunteering their time and energies for this last minute do. Guys , and gals ......Your patience and willingness to help out is deeply appreciated. Thank you for putting up with the choreography and the pot stirs and what nots.... esp Adrienne who rarely attempts any stunts.

I think Sophia, one of our beloved phileo flowers as we call ourselves ( ie, sophia, fen ning, audrey, adrienne, lih yee and myself) who happens to be busy preparing for her wedding day on June 30th and still make time to be a part of the concert , says it best "It had been stressful and fun journey with endless practises, rehearsals and concert shows .. not to mention about the never ending sewing of the sequins on the costume. Nevertheless, it's been a great vast of experiences and funny moments we shared together.. i did enjoyed all the makan-makan supper session with some fattening food although i should be on diet ;*).. i can sum it up.. it's worth it all!"

Despite everything, all the gripes and tempers flaring, i must say the concert has indeed allowed a few individuals to blossom. I have noticed, how people who are usually non committal , becoming committed, I have seen some who are afraid to try new things , practise and practise to get it perfected, I have watched how someone have grown to becoming a more complete individual. These transformations are priceless.

Jean Gan's 2007 Dance Galore concert has touched me in many ways possible...besides it being an opportunity to raise funds for the needy, as well as to allow talents to shine, it has become and avenue to encourage and allow individuals to realise their strenght , dedication and determination. Most importantly it has allowed me to learn from it.

On a high note, it was also a pleasant surprise to see so many SALSAJAYERS sparring their Sunday afternoons to come and show their support. Let's see, at the last count.... there was at least 23 of em... your cheers really make it all worthwhile. So thank you , thank you, from me and the rest of the SalsaJayer performers , for being at Auditorium DBKL last Sunday.... your presence does make a difference.

THANK YOU JAYERS! YOU GUYS ARE THE BESTEST.............. !

1st KL International Dance Festival 2007

The first of it's kind in Asia to bring together a wide variety of dance forms under one roof including Lion Dance, Hip Hop, Tap, Capoeira, Middle Eastern Dance, Break Dancing, Shuffle, Jazz, Ballroom, Latin, Salsa, Argentine Tango, and many more...

This was a celebration of music, of dance and of life. For one week from 4th -10th June 2007, dancers from all walks of life descended onto the Berjaya Times Square Shopping Mall Concourse sharing their passion for dance with the whole world.

DanceSport, which will include the prestigious IDSF World Ranking Open for the 1st time in Malaysia which will see couples from all over the world vying to maintain or improve their world ranking positions. It's going to be a tough battle for many of them which makes it all the more exciting to watch!

Here are some photos from the event.







Getting Personal with the participants


Amidst the sea of crowds at the event, I was fortunate to meet some international participants and spoke to them. 1st time in Malaysia, Chiu Hsiao-Te and Wu Chia-Ying came all the way from Taiwan to participate in the 1st Malaysian IDSF Open World Ranking DanceSport Championship. Chiu has been dancing for 6 years while Wo, for 3 years. It's also interesting to know that they have only coupled up as dance partners 4 months ago but they displayed incredible dancing skills during the competition.


I met this trio Diana, Abdo and Renata at the event too ... and not only they are friendly, I've learnt something from them too. That is ... Syrian girls are really cute. Ok, that wasn't meant to be said out loud but I did. So bite me.

But seriously speaking, I believe these folks are really young but their dancing skills are .... outstanding ! Words could not describe how beautifully they performed ! Bravo .. Syrians !
Of course, these folks went through years of practises .... ballet background I think. Professionally, they have been dancing and performing for 2 years.


A little about ISDF (International DanceSport Federation)

DanceSport denotes dance as a sport activity. Initially this term was applied to competitive ballroom dancing, in its International Style. Ballroom dancing was extremely popular during the 1910's.


The International DanceSport Federation, or IDSF, is an international governing body for amateurs, while the World Dance & DanceSport Council (WD&DSC) is an international governing body for dance professionals.

Amateur Dancesport is of a high standard around the world. Student dancesport in particular enjoys some great popularity around the world, particularly in the UK where some 20,000 students are members of the Inter Varsity Dance Association, or IVDA.

Since 1997 the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially recognized the dancesport as sport, with IDSF becoming an IOC Recognized International Sports Federation. The IDSF strongly pushes for the inclusion of dancesport as a medal sport in the Olympic Games. However the decision of the IOC is negative so far. It is in force only until the 2012 Olympics and subject to reconsideration afterwards.

List of DanceSport dances available here.

Stop Press : SalsaJay

SalsaJay was in the papers. And not any paper, mind you. It's The Star !

Alright .... by now, some of you out there would have responded by this thought ... "soooo what". Well ... it's true .. so what. But it's quite a big deal for me though. Besides the fact that my awkward posing photos being plastered on the middle page of Metro section (for the 2nd time now), I am pretty proud that SalsaJay made it to the press. After all, SalsaJay has never advertised itself as a professional dance school or whatsoever.

Let's just say .. we're just a bunch of reeeeeaaally good friends who came together to learn a fusion of informal dance styles having roots in the Caribbean (especially Cuba), Latin America and North America (as described in Wikipedia.org).

Did you also know that the name "Salsa" is the Spanish word for sauce, connoting a spicy flavor. The Salsa aesthetic is more flirtatious and sensuous than its ancestor Cuban Son. Salsa also suggests a "mixture" of ingredients, though this meaning is not found in most stories of the term's origin.

SalsaJay is just that.

A good "mixture" of individuals from different ethnic and social background with probably very different personalities ... all coming together to this wild música tropical experience that draws upon or reflects elements of Latin culture, regardless of the specific style. Now .. that's a mouthful, whatever it means.

Anyway ... back to the reason SalsaJay was in the papers. I guess it was case of being at the right place ... at the right time.

Many of you may have heard or read the series of articles on Bavani and Mak from Star, taking up Salsa lessons. Well, I've been following up on their stories and somehow met them at the opening of Salsa night in Red Bar, Kota Damansara. After a brief introduction, Bavani called me asking if SalsaJay would like to perform for a charity dinner. That's how all this began.

For the benefits of those who did not manage to read the newspaper articles on Mak and Bavani, I did a little digging and came up with this chronicle.

25th April - Having fun learning the salsa

2nd May - No choice but to change coach

16th May - The adorable salsa shoes!

23rd May - First public demo a real humbling but happy experience

29th May - Move by the plight of the little ones

30th May - Dressing up for the great dance

6th June - A night not to be missed

So there it was. The story of how 2 individuals who totally can't differentiate between salsa as a dance to a dipping sauce, embarking on the journey to appreciate, to learn and finally to express the Salsa es Ritmo!

Story from a virgin salsero

My First Time……

(as told by rueben)

……on a salsa dancefloor! What were you thinking, you sicko?? Well after much coaxing from the tigress, Jeamie, and some added pressure from a few other notable sources, I finally hit the dance floor in Red Bar, for salsa. I did spend the first 45 minutes or so in the club sitting and watching Fai and Terence dance, thinking how I was totally never gonna be able to pull that off. Not really the best confidence booster I must say. As it is a couple of days earlier, Jeamie put up a post about Tim taking 6 months before his first dance. And here I was thinking, and I made it known to Jeamie, if Tim took 6 months I’m definitely gonna need a year. But a couple of drinks and some wise words from Arina later (She pointed that the club was so empty and no one was gonna be paying attention, so let’s just go make fools of ourselves. She can be a great pillar of strength I tell ya, heheh ) , I decided to let Jeamie pull me to the floor.

Now I think as most guys who faced Jeamie on the floor for the first time can attest, holding her hand seems to hit you with a feeblemind spell, my mind totally went blank. All the moves I thought I new well enough were wiped clean from my brain. I couldn’t even remember how to sequence and underarm turn into a CBL. It was a bundle of nerves, sweaty hands and jelly legs. But I tried to do whatever I could, with a whole lot of lulls doing front-back basic while I gathered my thoughts and wits, and came out alive, traumatized but alive!!!! Now despite whatever Jeamie might say (she is a PR person after all, so I don’t fully trust her), here is my self-review. It was bad!! Just bad!! Some of my most glaring errors:

1) My hands kept slipping off during twirls.
2) The afore-mentioned mind blank of moves.
3) My recovery speed was severely hampered by
a. Lack of sleep (blame the champs league final that finished at 5 am)
b. A bit of alcohol
c. My plain imcompetence
d. All of the above (RIGHT ANSWER)
4) I think I might have actually bumped heads with my wild flailing hands and stepped on toes. My humblest apologies to my unlucky partners

Oh I’m sure there were more bumbles that what I mentioned here but I shall leave it for now. But it did feel very relieving to get it over and done with. Yes I still need a LOT of practice, but surviving the floor did give me some renewed determination to continue with classes and (MAYBE) more salsa clubbing. Oh don’t get me wrong; surviving an empty Red Bar is worlds apart from surviving let’s say, Salsa Havana or some other club that will be more packed with better dances. We practically had to whole place to ourselves in Red Bar, which made it easier to totally make a fool of myself. But yea….

Oh, I think I have to say, a good dose of alcohol (Dutch courage as Tim puts it) is a great help. The trick is to hit that sweet spot where you have had a few drinks to limber yourself up, but not too much that you lose control of your body. Just an observation. HAHA

Well ok, so I survived my baptism of fire. Now I need to cook up a fresh batch of excuses to avoid Salsa clubs for the next few weeks. Oh hell, then again, it’s time to train. Bring on MSF!!!!

Oh ok, quick shout out to the Tuesday ladies who showed up after only 2 (?) classes. I didn’t dance with them, but with what little energy I had that night (not to mention self confidence), I felt that I owed my classmates the first few dances, and injuries. But it did highlight our problem: we have not enough men!!! Without the intermediates, we are in dire straits. Jeamie is already complaining about the lack of eye candy for herself, and we need more man (literally) power. Or maybe good doses of power root???

Til my next foray onto the floor then.

Vote for Zhang Zhen Hong on MY.FM

Dear all,

Zhang Zhen Hong's song is being played on MY.FM and is being listed up for SMS voting.

So do lend your support by voting for him.

How to vote:

Type MYVOTE <> 16 and send to 32366

The voting will end at 5pm today (23rd May) so do hurry.

The announcement of the result will be made at 8pm tonight as well.

For more information, please check out www.my.fm or www.zhangzhenhong.com.my

Thank You

Malaysian Salsa Scene - spoilt for choice

Two years ago, if someone would to ask me... where 's the best place to salsa? i would have been able to count the number with my fingers. Of all the places that i have been to, Salsa Havana remains one of my all time favourite.

My acquaintance with Martin Reyes, the manager of Salsa Havana @ Federal Hotel, stretches way way back when he was a band member of a salsa joint in PJ , Juanita @ Crystal Crown to be exact. Back then, my sister and I would swoon and swayed to the music from Martin's live band music. Something about men and their instruments ( *wink *Wink). But anyways , that's not the whole point of this article, although this author does concur that nothing beats dancing to live music!.

Ah .....those were the days where salsa joints were but a precious commodity for salsa-addicts such as i (although in practise ......to the few and many who know me, i may not qualify as one). I have learnt salsa some 5 years ago , and back then my club visits or "field trips" as we use to call it, can range up to maybe 6 (if i am lucky, that is) in a year. However that began to change when i chanced upon a group of people who share the same interests and passion as i do... if not , more.

2007, is the year that i believe Malaysian Salsa is at its highest form. Everywhere i turn, i am surrounded by people trying out new dance tricks on the dance floor ..or starting their love affair with salsa for the very first time. Salsa is also beginning to gain more prominence in the local media. Understandably so as this year, there are at the very least 2 BIG salsa events to choose from ( 1st Malaysian World-Latin Salsa Congress at Port Dickson in June and the 2nd Malaysian Salsa Festival at Pangkor Laut in August), a mini sampler with the Salsa 101 organized at KL Hilton (see promo insert) , and a handful of salsa places to go to practically each day of the week:

Thurs ~ Salsa Cabanna @ Friendster Cafe / Q Bar; Fri ~ Salsa Havana; Sat ~ Little Havana / Salsa Havana
* other days Salsa Havana by requests.

Not a big fan of salsa-ing on a week day night, i found myself heading for a salsa fix not once , but for the past 2 weeks in a row. Last week something amazing happened which tested my limits and boundaries of what i perceived. I went dancing for 2 nights back to back. Talk about commitment! I might as well throw in the towel at work and turn to my new found abilities.. which is to....... Outdance (making sure i have enough endurance on the dance floor, Outlast (keeping myself still alert in the wee hours of the morning), and Out survive ...the long hours at work while trying to appear alert and perky to fellow colleagues and bosses.

All in all a very good year to look forward to. There's so much to see, so much to learn, and so much more to experience. To those out there who have just started with salsa ...my advice is to take this opportunity to truly get to know how wonderful salsa can make one feel. I know, cause i have been fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of this beautiful love affair.